This month, the National Confectioner Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo was named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the country by Trade Show Executive. TSE’s Fastest 50 recognizes growth in exhibit square footage, number of exhibiting companies and number of attendees. In 2013 the expo expanded to 157,100 square feet, an increase of 9.1 percent from 2012. The number of exhibitors grew from 571 to 616, and the number of show registrations increased nearly 10 percent with more than 15,000 industry professionals attending the show.

“For the fourth year in a row, the expo hosted a sold out show and experienced growth in both size and numbers,” said NCA President Larry Graham, in a prepared statement. “The confectionery industry in the U.S. and abroad continues to support our show, recognizing its essential role in introducing new products, facilitating business, connecting peers and providing top-notch education all in one location.”

More than 10,000 trade shows are held each year in the U.S., and the Sweets & Snacks Expo was one of the honored few to make TSE’s Fastest 50 list. The 2014 expo is already sold out and expected to top 162,000 square feet.

“Each year we start from scratch on how to bring the best and most valuable experience to our attendees," said Tim Quinn, vice president trade development for Mars Chocolate North America and chairman of the Sweets & Snacks Expo. “Our secret is not to take success for granted; we continue to transform the event to accommodate our customers’ ever-changing needs. We are honored and humbled to be recognized with this award.”

The 2014 expo is May 20 to 22 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. For more information about the show, visit www.sweetsandsnacks.com or call 202-534-1440.

Trade Show Executive will honor the fastest-growing trade shows during the 2014 Fastest 50 Awards & Summit in May in Chicago, Ill. The summit will feature a full conference program, star-studded awards banquet and full schedule of high-level networking and socializing events.